辞退

• Pinyin: cí tuì
• Hanzi breakdown: 辞 = 舌 + 辛 (resign, words); 退 = 艮 + 辶 (to withdraw, retreat)

Meaning

To dismiss; to fire; to let go. A formal verb meaning to terminate someone's employment, typically initiated by the employer.

More formal and euphemistic than 开除 (expel) or 炒鱿鱼 (slang for firing). Often used in HR contexts and official announcements. Can also mean to politely send away a visitor. The tone is professional rather than punitive.

Examples

1. 公司因为业务调整辞退了一批员工，给了相应的补偿。 The company laid off a batch of employees due to business restructuring and provided corresponding compensation.
2. 他因为多次迟到早退被公司辞退了。 He was fired by the company for repeatedly arriving late and leaving early.
3. 经济不景气的时候，很多企业不得不辞退部分员工来降低成本。 During economic downturns, many companies have to let go of some employees to reduce costs.

Usage Guide

Context: business, employment, HR

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 公司决定辞退表现不合格的员工。(The company decided to dismiss underperforming employees.)
• 他被辞退后找了好几个月才找到新工作。(After being let go, it took him several months to find a new job.)

Don't Say

• 我辞退了我的朋友 (辞退 is for employment relationships — for ending friendships, use 绝交 or just describe the situation)

Origin & History

Compound of 辞 (to resign, take leave) + 退 (to retreat, withdraw). Together meaning to dismiss someone from their position.

Cultural Context

Generation: Working adults

Social background: Professional